Geraldine TC 7 December 2024 – R3 – Peter Davis

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race 3, Stipendiary Steward Mr Shane Renault presented an Information alleging a breach of Rule 869(3)(b) by Open Driver Mr Peter Davis.

Mr Davis stated he understood the Charge, was conversant with the Rule and he confirmed he did not admit the breach.

Mr Renault played videos of the first 200m of the race to identify Mr Davis (STUNNA) and Mrs Young-Grant (BLASTFROMTHEPAST). He pointed to Mr Davis attempting to ease into the trail behind the leader, GREETS, and said Mrs Young-Grant was forced over a pylon and has galloped for a few strides. Mr Renault said Mr Davis was never clear of Mrs Young-Grant and his shift resulted in her running out of room and being dictated over the track marker.

Mr Renault called Mrs Young-Grant to give evidence. She said as Mr Davis began to shift inwards, she yelled at him as she knew he wasn’t clear of her horse’s legs. She said she broke because there was no room and BLASTFROMTHEPAST jumped a pylon. Mrs Young-Grant said it didn’t impact on her chances to any great extent, as she regained her gait after a few strides.

Mr Davis said there was no contact made between the horses. He said he has seen Mrs Young-Grant and steered out to relieve the pressure and had his horse not galloped, there would not have been any interference.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

The Video evidence clearly shows Mr Davis tighten Mrs Young-Grant when attempting to shift down to the fence. BLASTFROMTHEPAST ran out of room and jumped the track marker.

Mr Davis quickly corrected his horse, which contributed to his own horse galloping; however, the damage had been done.

DECISION:

The Charge was found to be proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Renault said Mr Davis has had 104 drives this season and has a clear record under the Rule.

He said the opinion of the Stewards was this was a mid- range breach, and he would leave it to the Adjudicative Committee to set the Penalty.

Mr Davis said he would prefer a suspension rather than a fine and if that was possible, he would like to start it immediately.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Penalty Guidelines provide $500 fine or a 2-day suspension for a mid-range breach, first offence.

The Adjudicative Committee considers this breach to be mid-range, both horses in the incident have galloped.

Mr Davis’ request to receive a suspension over a fine is granted and accordingly, he is suspended for 2 days.

CONCLUSION:

Driver Mr Peter Davis’ Licence to drive in races is suspended from the conclusion of racing today, up to and including racing on 15 December 2024.